Bougher signs with home-state team

Courtesy: SDSU Sports Info Release: 06/20/2013 09:51:14

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LINCOLN, Neb. — Former South Dakota State University pitcher Stephen Bougher will continue his baseball career at the professional level after signing a contract Tuesday with the Lincoln (Neb.) Saltdogs of the independent American Association.

"It's pretty awesome having the opportunity to be close to home and pitch in front of a lot of family and friends," Bougher said. "I'm really excited to be paid to throw a baseball. Hopefully, I can do the job here and take it another step farther next year."

A native of Papillion, Neb., Bougher was a first-team all-Summit League selection in 2013 after leading the league in victories with an 8-2 record and a 2.86 earned run average. He ranked second on the squad with 62 strikeouts in 88 innings.

Bougher finished as the Jackrabbits’ career leader in both starts (48) and innings pitched (299.1). He compiled a 22-15 career record to rank second all-time in victories. His five career shutouts are the most by a Jackrabbit pitcher in the Division I era and his 191 career strikeouts rank third all-time at South Dakota State.

Bougher is the second pitcher from the Jackrabbits’ 2013 Summit League tournament championship team to sign professionally. Fellow right-hander Layne Somsen was selected in the 22nd round of the Major League Baseball Draft and has since been assigned to the Reds’ Rookie League affiliate in Billings, Mont.